The Treaty of Versace

Donatella Versace
Donatella knows the brand better than anyone, but Versace needs a succession plan beyond the world-famous designer. Photo: Gotham/GC Images
Lauren Sherman
December 19, 2024

Late last week, WWD reported that Capri, scrambling for a Plan B after its failed merger with Tapestry, had engaged Barclays in an effort to sell off its two most relevant brands, Jimmy Choo and Versace. That’s not surprising: When the F.T.C. blocked the Tapestry deal, I predicted that both brands would likely “sell quickly—albeit for less than the price that Capri acquired them, but at a reasonable number nonetheless.” I still believe that. Jimmy Choo, in particular, should have no trouble finding a buyer (shoes are a high-margin category). Versace, a strong brand with a weakening business, is a bigger strategic and creative challenge.